Mom’s Tomato Soup Dip

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Mom’s Tomato Soup Dip, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Mom’s Tomato Soup Dip:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (8×8 inch or similar size) with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed tomato soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried basil. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the tomato soup mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. The top should be slightly golden. If you prefer a more browned top, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, but watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm with your choice of dippers.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make Mom’s Tomato Soup Dip, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or mixing spoon
• 8×8 inch baking dish (or similar size)
• Grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

Tips, Shortcuts, and Variations

This recipe is simple, but there are many ways you can customize it to suit your taste:

• Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy dip, mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese with the cheddar. You can also sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.
• Add Protein: Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for added flavor and substance.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can be used instead of dried herbs for a brighter flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover Mom’s Tomato Soup Dip, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm before serving again.
• Freezing: This dip can be frozen before baking. Prepare the dip and transfer it to the baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Food and Drink Pairings

Mom’s Tomato Soup Dip pairs well with a variety of dippers and beverages:

• Dippers: Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even grilled cheese sticks for a fun twist. Fresh vegetables like celery sticks, bell peppers, and cucumber slices also make great dippers.
• Drink Pairings: Pair this dip with a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir, or a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, a cold glass of iced tea or a simple soda works perfectly.